A video showing a man offering namaz in what appears to be a park resembling the Taj Mahal complex has gone viral, sparking controversy and anger among several Hindu organisations. They have urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take strict action against what they call a violation of heritage site rules.
The short clip, reportedly filmed on a mobile phone last Friday, shows a man in a cap and kurta-pajama offering namaz. “It is completely unacceptable to perform any religious activity inside the Taj Mahal premises,” said a representative of a Hindu organisation. “ASI must ensure such incidents are not repeated and take firm action to preserve the sanctity of this national monument.”
According to ASI guidelines, performing any form of religious ritual inside the Taj Mahal complex is prohibited. However, the video’s circulation on social media has caused confusion and outrage. “People should verify facts before reacting,” said a local resident from Agra. “Many videos shared online are misleading and can create unnecessary communal tension.”
Some Hindu groups have in the past claimed that the Taj Mahal was once a temple and have tried to perform rituals such as offering Ganga water or conducting aarti inside the monument. Last year, three people were reportedly detained for offering namaz at the site. “The Taj Mahal, or Tejo Mahal as some call it, is part of our cultural heritage. Religious acts here disturb its historical integrity,” said another activist.
Meanwhile, the authenticity and location of the video have not been confirmed by the authorities or media. Legal experts and community members have urged calm, reminding people that social media content can often be misleading. “Everyone has the right to worship,” said an Agra-based lawyer, “but heritage sites have rules that must be respected.”
